And I care as much about him as you care for the dead body
of Mr. Perceval!'
He studied me with glowing eyes.
'You cannot deceive me!' he cried. 'You have served under him.
You are a Frenchman! I hold by the hand, at last, one of that
noble race, the pioneers of the glorious principles of liberty and
brotherhood. Hush! No, it is all right. I thought there had been
somebody at the door. In this wretched, enslaved country we dare
not even call our souls our own. The spy and the hangman, sir--the
spy and the hangman! And yet there is a candle burning, too. The
good leaven is working, sir--working underneath. Even in this town
there are a few brave spirits, who meet every Wednesday. You must
stay over a day or so, and join us. We do not use this house.
Another, and a quieter. They draw fine ale, however--fair, mild
ale. You will find yourself among friends, among brothers. You
will hear some very daring sentiments expressed!' he cried,
expanding his small chest. 'Monarchy, Christianity--all the
trappings of a bloated past--the Free Confraternity of Durham and
Tyneside deride.'
Here was a devil of a prospect for a gentleman whose whole design
was to avoid observation! The Free Confraternity had no charms for
me; daring sentiments were no part of my baggage; and I tried,
instead, a little cold water.
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